Andy Mac v PZB This time India will Stand !!!!

[traskott]

Good point. Yes, I think you're right.

What about pools ? Have you received ( finally!! ) enough planes to max your sqns ? ( not British, but the other countries )

[Andy Mac]

All fleet carriers have either FAA Corsair II's or F4U1A's
50% of light carriers are still using F6F's
All CVE's are using F6F's

SBD2C's, TBM1C's or Barracudas for all strke Sqns so my fleet is fully set more Corsairs would be nice but I can live without them.

Pilots are all 70+ with good reserves.

100+ B29's now on map my only low point is RAF Fighters and Bombers but RAF Thuds have started to arrive and my strength is growing again

[Andy Mac]

ps Amercal is about 6 days from Salamua, 2 Regts about 10 days from Wau, 503rd Para Regt is en route to back up 1st Aus Para Bn in theatre as are the three marine Para Bns

Its wont be risk or casualty free but I will keep grinding forward in SWPAC to secure the bases I need for the 45 offiensive

[traskott]

Good !!  Looks like a very powerful force. [:)]

[castor troy]

I really wonder what is more important, those meaningless atolls 1.000.000 miles away from Japan or a base 1.000 miles away from the SRA. [&:] I have to agree with traskott here, the way you were going the last year is a tad hard to understand for an Allied player. Instead of using the hammer, making the Japanese only spectators you offer PzB a chance to slap you again and again. [:(] And I wonder which risk PzB took while taking out those ships. Risk of what? Having two carriers collide within KB? The hope for KB expending itself with attacks against PM is pretty optimistic when you play PzB or any other experienced opponent as that would be the first thing I would think about, getting into a position far away from the only Allied base in the area that matters so that my ac don´t fly there and that KB stays outside of the usual Allied fighter and 1E bomber range.

I don´t know about the size of your airfield at PM, you could build it to a big airfield complex and send a couple of hundred bombers there, that might scare KB but otherwhise... and even then, 2/3 of LBA bombers usually doesn´t launch anyway with 50% of the bombers that take off usually "fail to locate the target due to range or weather". With your invasion of Christmas island just over I think PzB could expect your next major amphib operation not popping up a day later so I can´t follow your fleet in being argument for CENTPAC either. But perhaps I just fail to get your strategy. What is left are huge Allied losses in total so far though and alone the fact that you have to use P-40 in mid 44 freightens me to be honest.

[Andy Mac]

PM is level 7 or 8 and has 400+ aircraft including lots of P47's
Buna is level 2 or 3 with 200 aircraft
Townsville has about 500 as does Charter Towers including many B24's and lots of marine strike aircraft

"Instead of using the hammer, making the Japanese only spectators you offer PzB a chance to slap you again and again. "

What hammer ??

In the first carrier battle I have a superiority of 1.3:1 but didnt get a shot off because he hit me from 8 hexes
Second Carrier battle I have 1.5:1 and didnt get a shot off because he hit me from 8 hexes and blew through my highly experienced CAP like it didnt exist
Then he found my cripples because of a false sunk ship sighting report.

After all that I DONT have carrier superiority or a big hammer and what I do have has to remain concentrated.

AND if I totally focus on one axis of advance

a. I cannot use all the force I have
b. It allows PZB to concentrate against me.

I need to attack on multiple axis and that means a few risks.

In terms of risk - well as I said if PZB was one hex closer 300+ strike aircraft would have launched against him or if his carriers had reacted to the Long Island TF sitting in PM harbour.....

My next amphib operation is loading as we speak for 4 seperate atolls all in close sequence so the tempo of operations is if anything going to increase in CENTPAC and forces from Suva are moving NE as well

My overall strategy remains as before (albeit delayed)

North East from Darwin into the Celebes sea (but I had to unlock Milne Bay 1st)
Probably now SW from Rangoon into Andaman Islands and Sumatra as I am blocked at Moulmien

Suck forces as far West as I can then hit the Mariaianas in 45 when I have regained carrier superiority.

Andy

[castor troy]

IMO you don´t have the normal Allied hammer now in 5/44 because you dispersed and took a lot unnecessary losses the last two years. You still have enough to lay waste around every level 9 airfield so that you can move forward 5 or six hexes at a time. Though you seem to keep doing the same to be further atritted and instead of atritting the Japanese, it´s the Allied that are getting atritted (I still don´t know why you shock attacked right into Moulmein for example when you could do otherwhise with no problem at all). My last PBEM saw my carrier TFs moving around with 1500 Hellcats in a hex and enough LBA to nuke every base in range at the same stage you are now. Every CVE lost was a tragedy to me! To me your strategy looks like your Timor invasion, a bit here, a bit there. Then PzB shows up and kills your first bit there, the next bit there and another bit over there as he immediately FOCUSSES all of his available assets in one area. And then most of the times it´s a ce la vie experience in the end. Now if you succesfully land on the Philipinese and lose a cruiser and some transports it´s ce la vie, it would even be ce la vie if you wouldn´t own a single base on New Guinea yet and you lose those ships for the first base to have a foothold on the island but when you have PM nearly fully built up, own Buna too I don´t know why it is a ce la vie experience to take a rather unimportant base right next to PM that does what? Win the war? Interdict LOS to any cut off Japanese? Threaten something that isn´t already threatened by PM? I can´t see what Milne Bay gives you to accept any loss for little gain.

It´s your game afterall and I don´t want to stand up as a teacher so pls don´t get me wrong, I just have the feeling you have to start to get away from ce la vie and stop losing some cruisers here and a couple of CVE there as you´ve lost just too much already and so far you are the atritted and not PzB. Even the Allied reinforcements are limited if I just can bring up the P-40 example again, an aircraft that should be thousands of miles away from the front at this stage of the war with the Japanese producing purely Georges, Jacks and Franks.

I think the game models something very well and that´s the way the Allied should advance as that´s the same way they had to do in real life. Take a base, move in a hell a lot of engineers (building a level 9 airfield from scratch is a matter of no time if you bring enough eng which you should have more than you need), lay waste to anything in range of your bombers, bring in the invasion for the next base five or six hexes away from step one and build up again. Rinse and repeat. It is totally boring in the end but a methodical approach and there is no Japanese PBEM player on Earth that can do anything against it on the big picture. A little surprise now and then yes, stalling, no.

[crsutton]

ORIGINAL: castor troy


I think the game models something very well and that´s the way the Allied should advance as that´s the same way they had to do in real life. Take a base, move in a hell a lot of engineers (building a level 9 airfield from scratch is a matter of no time if you bring enough eng which you should have more than you need), lay waste to anything in range of your bombers, bring in the invasion for the next base five or six hexes away from step one and build up again. Rinse and repeat. It is totally boring in the end but a methodical approach and there is no Japanese PBEM player on Earth that can do anything against it on the big picture. A little surprise now and then yes, stalling, no.

I can't argue with this. It is working for me. And to add the obvious, one eye should always be on Japanese oil centers.

[Bliztk]

The inherent problem is that maybe PzB has gotten into your mind, and you are advancing at his pace, instead of setting the pace of the game as you should be doing right now.

[Andy Mac]

ORIGINAL: castor troy

IMO you don´t have the normal Allied hammer now in 5/44 because you dispersed and took a lot unnecessary losses the last two years.

I AGREE - NOT 100% MY FAULT AS I BELIEVE I HAD A PARTICULARILY BAD RUN OF LUCK BUT IN PRINCIPAL I AGREE

You still have enough to lay waste around every level 9 airfield so that you can move forward 5 or six hexes at a time.

AGREE AND IN CENTPAC WITH XMAS ISLAND, NG WITH MERAUKE AND IN BAY OF BENGAL ITS EXACTLY WHAT I AM PLANNING ON DOING

Though you seem to keep doing the same to be further atritted and instead of atritting the Japanese, it´s the Allied that are getting atritted (I still don´t know why you shock attacked right into Moulmein for example when you could do otherwhise with no problem at all)

TIME PZB HAD FINALLY WITHDRAWN HIS 2ND ARMY FROM THE NORTH AND I HAD ONLY A SHORT TIME TO HIT HIM - I SENT A FLANKING FORCE BUT IT WAS MAKING HEAVY WEATHER OF THE ROUTE - MAYBE IT WAS A BAD CALL 10K CASUALTIES I WAS EXPECTING AND WOULD HAVE BEEN ABLE TO SUSTAIN - 30K STOPPED ME COLD

My last PBEM saw my carrier TFs moving around with 1500 Hellcats in a hex and enough LBA to nuke every base in range at the same stage you are now. Every CVE lost was a tragedy to me! To me your strategy looks like your Timor invasion, a bit here, a bit there. Then PzB shows up and kills your first bit there, the next bit there and another bit over there as he immediately FOCUSSES all of his available assets in one area.

MAYBE BUT I AM TAKING THE OBJECTIVES NOW AND DOING IT WITH SECONDARY FORCES MILNE BAY IS GOING TO BE MINE THAT MEANS NEW BRITAIN AND ITS AF'S CAN BE SAFELY TAKEN BY GROUND FORCES AND LBA WITH MINIMAL NAVAL SUPPORT FREEING UP ASSETS FOR THE ATTACK ON THE MERAUKE AXIS

And then most of the times it´s a ce la vie experience in the end. Now if you succesfully land on the Philipinese and lose a cruiser and some transports it´s ce la vie, it would even be ce la vie if you wouldn´t own a single base on New Guinea yet and you lose those ships for the first base to have a foothold on the island but when you have PM nearly fully built up, own Buna too I don´t know why it is a ce la vie experience to take a rather unimportant base right next to PM that does what? Win the war? Interdict LOS to any cut off Japanese? Threaten something that isn´t already threatened by PM? I can´t see what Milne Bay gives you to accept any loss for little gain.

IT FREES ME UP TO TAKE AND BUILD ALL THE BASES IN THE AREA FOR FUTURE LBA OPERATION TO MAKE UP FOR MY LACK OF CARRIERS AND ALLOWS ME TO KEEP A THEATRE GOING WITHOUT A COMMITTMENT OF MAJOR NAVAL ASSETS - I CAN NOW USE MILNE BAY BASED BARGES/PT BOATS AND LCT'S FOR ALL FUTURE INVASIONS IN THEATRE ALLOWING ALL MY HEAVY SHIPS TO PULL BACK

It´s your game afterall and I don´t want to stand up as a teacher so pls don´t get me wrong, I just have the feeling you have to start to get away from ce la vie and stop losing some cruisers here and a couple of CVE there as you´ve lost just too much already and so far you are the atritted and not PzB. Even the Allied reinforcements are limited if I just can bring up the P-40 example again, an aircraft that should be thousands of miles away from the front at this stage of the war with the Japanese producing purely Georges, Jacks and Franks.

P40'S DO OK AS ESCORT FODDER AND THATS WHAT I USE THEM FOR MOSTLY P47'S AND P38'S ARE NOT EXACTLY AVAILABLE IN GREAT NUMBERS UNTIL THE D25 ARRIVES

I think the game models something very well and that´s the way the Allied should advance as that´s the same way they had to do in real life. Take a base, move in a hell a lot of engineers (building a level 9 airfield from scratch is a matter of no time if you bring enough eng which you should have more than you need), lay waste to anything in range of your bombers, bring in the invasion for the next base five or six hexes away from step one and build up again. Rinse and repeat. It is totally boring in the end but a methodical approach and there is no Japanese PBEM player on Earth that can do anything against it on the big picture. A little surprise now and then yes, stalling, no.

AND IN CENTPAC WHICH IS MY MAIN AVENUE OF ADVANCE THATS EXACTLY WHAT I AM PLANNING ON DOING

[Andy Mac]

ORIGINAL: Bliztk

The inherent problem is that maybe PzB has gotten into your mind, and you are advancing at his pace, instead of setting the pace of the game as you should be doing right now.

some truth in this albeit i am about to try and change that in centpac

[Andy Mac]

with the southern burmese af's mine i hope to hit him hard

[Andy Mac]

ps feedback always welcome - even when I dont want to hear it.

Castor I overall don't disagree with what you say you are not wrong

[Andy Mac]

To reiterate my plan

SEAC
1. Use forces in Burma to pound his oil centres and bases in range to dust
2. Attack Andaman Islands and Sumatra to eventually allow an attak on Borneo eliminating Malaya as a viable base and to provide support for an eventual push into either Formosa/Okinawa or PI

SWPAC

1. Advance from Merauke Darwin NE into Celebes sea to eventually linkup with SEAC in Borneo
2. Using Milne bay and surrounding bases build unsinkable aircraft carriers to enable me to attack new Britain before end 44 and take Rabaul or Kavieng/Manus to allow neutralisation of Truk

CENTPAC

1. Secure Gilberts/Marshalls/Line Islands and all bases south to prepare for eventual push on Marianas
2. Attack Marianas after 1. or if KB not neutralised transfer Carrier force to support SWPAC/SEAC join up at Borneo - leave option open as it to some extent depends on fleet in being status of KB

[castor troy]

ORIGINAL: Andy Mac

ps feedback always welcome - even when I dont want to hear it.

Castor I overall don't disagree with what you say you are not wrong

Andy pls don´t ge me wrong, I know my attitude sounds a bit harsh at times, even if I don´t want to sound that way. I just think you´ve done a couple of things that has made it too easy for PzB, even if it makes up for a great read. [:)]

[beppi]

ORIGINAL: Andy Mac

To reiterate my plan

SEAC
1. Use forces in Burma to pound his oil centres and bases in range to dust
2. Attack Andaman Islands and Sumatra to eventually allow an attak on Borneo eliminating Malaya as a viable base and to provide support for an eventual push into either Formosa/Okinawa or PI

SWPAC

1. Advance from Merauke Darwin NE into Celebes sea to eventually linkup with SEAC in Borneo
2. Using Milne bay and surrounding bases build unsinkable aircraft carriers to enable me to attack new Britain before end 44 and take Rabaul or Kavieng/Manus to allow neutralisation of Truk

CENTPAC

1. Secure Gilberts/Marshalls/Line Islands and all bases south to prepare for eventual push on Marianas
2. Attack Marianas after 1. or if KB not neutralised transfer Carrier force to support SWPAC/SEAC join up at Borneo - leave option open as it to some extent depends on fleet in being status of KB

SEAC

I would not count it as tragic as some other players if you lose some ships. Yes in my opinion not a single CVE is worth a sacrifice even if they the E is for expandable. Some advices, ideas:

In burma as your opponen has quite a good force and quite a lot of reserves use a stretch the lines and cut off tactic. Just build a wide line of units of acceptable strength (3+ divisions) through the jungle and crawl forward. Have some strongpoints to force Pzb to guard his bases (best is a strongpoint for every base) and focus on flanking and cut off operations. A good method is:

Move a suitable force into a base hex. The force has to be strong enough to stay there, but you do not need to capture the base. Use some divisions from you wide line and start to flank the base. For every flanking hex move one unit into the besieged base to change the hexside to friendly. After that the exit is secure and you only need to take care of the surrounding hexes. But it still takes time to recapture a hexside for your opponent as you need to first controll the hex (which is impossible if you leave at least a small force there) and after that to move one of his units through the hexside. THis usually gives you enough time to respond if you encounter a problem (to weak protection force in the hex). If you need more information i can provide it to you. I have a massive problem in Burma currently as me and my opponent have both around 12 - 13k AV there (he might even be a little stronger than my forces). But with airpower and the denial of open hex and a good movement tactic you still can advance.

Have you considered to skip a push to Singapure and instead head SE to Vietnam ? You have a lot of potential lvl 9 bases and with some meds on naval attack you can cut off the supply path throuhg the chinese sea. You do not actually need to cap the oilfields if you can cut them off. Wont be as effective as capturing but still causes troubles for japan.

A push against Sumatra is a good move. But you cannot drop all your (20+ divisions) in burma as you lack the transportation. So use a few divisions (as much as you need) and do something useful with the remaining in burma.

SWPAC
Use your insinkable carriers to cause havoc. You should have so many 4E in the pool and active to easily have 500 in Burma and 500 in SWPAC. As you cannot use them in CENTPAC you can cause havoc there. Focus on the important islands, shut down the airfields and crawl forward to link up with your CENTPAC approach. If KB remains intact, to capture the Marians you need Kawieng. Without it and not total carrarier dominance (which you lack) it is close to impossible to cap the Marians. So move on and hammer him. Your B-29 can reach the Marinas from Kavieng with normal range and that will be the key to capture them even if KB is active.

CENTPAC
If you want try to open a path through the Gilbers/Marshals. My current path is Wake and 15 hex south of it. Usually that is enough as you can get a quite dense naval search network to protect against KB and if you place some fighters which provide leaky cap for you convoyes you do not need to completly cap every base. For me 5 Divisions and some BDEs where enough to create a secure corridor. So the rest of you forces can be used in SWPAC to focus for Rabaul/Kawieng area. Most important Base is Ponape. Focus on it, you need it as it is the only base withouth stacking limits in the area. It is much easier to assault the Marians from there.


General
I currently work on the capture of the Marinas. They are heavily guarded (I expect 10k AV + distributed between the bases) with around 1000 planes on it. In addition in my game 5 Allied CVs where sunk before i took over the game. But it was careful with my CVEs and i have 48 of them (and additional 12 or so replacement ones). I think about reactivating my AAR just to provide a working way how to cap the Marinas against heavy defense, with KB alive and in full force. And i am shure that it is possible (but i still might fail). In 1944 your forces are the hammer, the islands are the forges and everything between it has to be crushed. That is the way how you need to act.

Another addition, attacking the phillipines without the marines and KB alive and some lost own carriers can be quite a pita as the Marinans will always threaten your flank and are a save spot for KB. So consider taking it, whatever the opposition is.

[Nemo121]

Andy,

The point isn't that those losses are unsustainable. The point is that those losses are unnecessary.

You may well be able to trade 15 to 20 ships sunk for every base captured as the Allies and still win BUT being able to win playing a side which, basically, cannot lose isn't the same thing as playing a great game. If you were playing as most navies in most wars throughout history these sorts of debacles would lead to failure. The fact that as the US only quitting can actually give Japan a victory is not, IMO, sufficient reason to launch operation after operation with insufficient force to achieve anything strategically decisive and with so little cover that avoidable losses are taken.


As Japan this sort of casual attitude to force conservation would end your war in a weekend. Sure you can get away with it as the US in the Pacific War but most wars in history don't feature such massively unmatched forces as to allow success under these circumstances.



As to you wanting to lure PzB into action the periphery so you nibble at KB. Sure, that's a fine plan. On the other hand you could have achieved that force commitment AND had enough CAP flying over the TF to not only lure KB out of position but also:
a) kill lots of its pilots
b) save most if not all of your lost ships.

So, with proper planning and force allocation you could have achieved more at less cost. That's the problem. I can see what you are trying to do but the constant drumbeat of unnecessary attritional losses cripples you - especially since you won't engage in a sufficient pause to build a sufficiently strong fleet to be able to achieve strategically vital objectives ( mostly because you just engage in unnnecessarily high cost operation after unnecessarily high cost operaiton with all of these attritional losses preventing you from building the necessary mass to achieve more at less cost 6 months from now ).


To paraphrase: C'est magnifique mais ce n'est pas la guerre. It makes for a fun read but, honestly, a commander's job is to get his men killed retail in order to achieve worthwhile objectives, not wholesale and unnecessarily.

As to PzB playing it perfectly. Well, I think you gave him an opportunity to attack an exposed and insufficiently protected convoy and he took it. It doesn't take a lot of brilliant play to kill virtually defenceless cripples. You're just gifting them to him on a plate.

I agree with Castor ( something I rarely do ) insofar as your insensitivity to losses is worrying. Now, I'm not a player who is sensitive to losses. If I think a base is worth 40 DDs and 6 divisions then that's what I'll spend to take it, if that's what it takes. On the other hand I'll try and come up with a plan to take that base for 1 DD and a few squads disabled if I can. Just because it is worth 40 DDs doesn't mean I'll cavalierly accept those losses unless there's no avoiding them. It seems to me that if you think a base is worth 40 DDs then mentally you almost write 40 DDs off and just go for the base. If PzB is unfortunate and out of position maybe you take the base on the cheap but if he's in position sometimes you lose 40 or 50 DDs. You then say, "Oh but the base was worth it."

Maybe, maybe not. The key point, to me ( and I think Castor and I'm sure others ) is that while it might have been worth it you didn't have to lose those 40 DDs in the first place. There might have been ways with a bit more patience and planning to get the job done at a cost of 5 or 6 DDs. I think your, "Oh it was worth it" attitude is great for your morale and keeping you in the game but I think it is preventing you from ruthlessly eradicating the flaws in thinking which lead to unnecessarily costly, exposed and strategically indecisive operations time after time after time.

I'm not trying to be difficult here. I just think it is a terrible pity that you are gifting PzB these sorts of opportunities time after time and seem to view his taking them as being either:
a) "the luck of the draw" ( it isn't ) or
b) inevitable ( it isn't ).

[Andy Mac]

Its interesting feedback and I do listen honest !!!

But I am pretty comfortable with what I achieved in this operation Milne Bay was an important objective and it really opens up the whole SWPAC for barge/PT Boat attacks

I am not 'happy' with the losses I took but I had set a trap and it didnt work

A little consolation today looks like I nailed 2 or 3 japanese Cruisers

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR May 08, 44
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Merauke , at 89,124

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid detected at 157 NM, estimated altitude 34,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 46 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 39
N1K1-J George x 27



Allied aircraft
P-39N1 Airacobra x 3


Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zero: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-39N1 Airacobra: 1 destroyed



Aircraft Attacking:
27 x N1K1-J George sweeping at 30000 feet
21 x A6M5 Zero sweeping at 15000 feet

CAP engaged:
15th FG/46th FS with P-39N1 Airacobra (0 airborne, 2 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters to 35000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 52 minutes



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Taung Gyi , at 59,48

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 36 NM, estimated altitude 34,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes


Allied aircraft
Spitfire VIII x 2
P-38G Lightning x 2
P-38J Lightning x 8
P-40N5 Warhawk x 11
P-47D25 Thunderbolt x 8


No Allied losses



Aircraft Attacking:
2 x P-38G Lightning sweeping at 30000 feet



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 98,130

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 17,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 20 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 27
D4Y2 Judy x 19
J2M2 Jack x 35
N1K1-J George x 15
Ki-46 KAI Dinah x 6
Ki-84a Frank x 91



Allied aircraft
Spitfire VIII x 10
Kittyhawk III x 6
Kittyhawk IV x 8
Spitfire VIII x 23
Hurricane XIIb x 6
Kittyhawk I x 2
Kittyhawk III x 4
P-38J Lightning x 8
P-39N1 Airacobra x 13
P-40K Warhawk x 9
P-40N5 Warhawk x 8
P-47D25 Thunderbolt x 18
P-51B Mustang x 11


Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zero: 5 destroyed
D4Y2 Judy: 6 destroyed
J2M2 Jack: 1 destroyed
N1K1-J George: 1 destroyed
Ki-84a Frank: 4 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Kittyhawk IV: 1 destroyed
Kittyhawk I: 1 destroyed
P-40K Warhawk: 1 destroyed

Allied Ships
APA Sheridan
CA Canberra
xAK Simoon, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires
APA Ormsby, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires



CAP engaged:
VMF-216 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead
No.14 Sqn RCAF with Kittyhawk I (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(2 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead
No.111 Sqn RCAF with Hurricane XIIb (6 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(6 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead
No.75 Sqn RAAF with Kittyhawk IV (8 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(8 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
8 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead
No.77 Sqn RAAF with Spitfire VIII (5 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(9 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes
No.79 Sqn RAAF with Kittyhawk III (6 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(6 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead
No.82 Sqn RAAF with Spitfire VIII (6 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(8 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 25 minutes
No.243 Sqn RAF with Spitfire VIII (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(6 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 29 minutes
No.457 Sqn RAF with Spitfire VIII (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(6 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 26 minutes
No.14 Sqn RNZAF with Kittyhawk III (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(4 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead
No.549 Sqn RAF with Spitfire VIII (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(4 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 24 minutes
49th FG/8th FS with P-39N1 Airacobra (5 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(9 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 17 minutes
49th FG/9th FS with P-47D25 Thunderbolt (7 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(7 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
7 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead
8th FG/36th FS with P-39N1 Airacobra (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(4 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead
80th FG/88th FS with P-51B Mustang (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(11 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 7 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 20 minutes
80th FG/90th FS with P-40K Warhawk (9 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(9 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
9 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead
347th FG/339th FS with P-38J Lightning (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(4 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead
348th FG/340th FS with P-40N5 Warhawk (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(8 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 17 minutes
475th FG/432nd FS with P-38J Lightning (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(4 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead
17th PS (P) with P-47D25 Thunderbolt (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(11 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 7 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 26 minutes

Heavy smoke from fires obscuring xAK Simoon
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring APA Ormsby


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Rabaul at 106,125

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid detected at 78 NM, estimated altitude 17,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 28 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K1 Rex x 7
Ki-61-Ia Tony x 20



Allied aircraft
SBD-5 Dauntless x 27


No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
SBD-5 Dauntless: 15 destroyed, 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
xAK Katsukawa Maru



Aircraft Attacking:
2 x SBD-5 Dauntless bombing from 16000 feet *
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 lb SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
934 Ku S-1 with N1K1 Rex (0 airborne, 5 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(2 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters to 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 30 minutes
70th Sentai with Ki-61-Ia Tony (0 airborne, 14 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Palmyra , at 170,133

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 48 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 19 minutes


Allied aircraft
F4U-1A Corsair x 11
F6F-3 Hellcat x 2
PB4Y-1 Liberator x 12
PV-1 Ventura x 12


No Allied losses



Runway hits 8

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x PV-1 Ventura bombing from 11000 feet
Airfield Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x PB4Y-1 Liberator bombing from 11000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Moulmein , at 55,55

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid detected at 77 NM, estimated altitude 17,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 31 minutes


Allied aircraft
Martlet IV x 7
Hurricane IIc Trop x 9
Spitfire Vc Trop x 6
Spitfire VIII x 16
PV-1 Ventura x 11
Spitfire Vc Trop x 5
Spitfire VIII x 6
P-40N5 Warhawk x 5
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 15
F4F-4 Wildcat x 5


Allied aircraft losses
PV-1 Ventura: 7 damaged



Port fuel hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
11 x PV-1 Ventura bombing from 15000 feet
Port Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Salamaua , at 98,127

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid spotted at 14 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes


Allied aircraft
B-25D1 Mitchell x 5


No Allied losses



Aircraft Attacking:
5 x B-25D1 Mitchell bombing from 9000 feet
Port Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Taung Gyi , at 59,48

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 26,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes


Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 9
Blenheim VD x 8
P-38J Lightning x 8
P-40N5 Warhawk x 19
P-47D25 Thunderbolt x 8


Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim IV: 1 damaged
Blenheim VD: 2 damaged



Runway hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
8 x Blenheim VD bombing from 20000 feet
Airfield Attack: 4 x 250 lb GP Bomb
9 x Blenheim IV bombing from 20000 feet
Airfield Attack: 4 x 250 lb GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Port Blair , at 46,58

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid detected at 78 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 26 minutes

Japanese aircraft
no flights


Allied aircraft
Liberator GR.VI x 10
B-24D1 Liberator x 51
B-24J Liberator x 51


No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Liberator GR.VI: 1 damaged
B-24D1 Liberator: 2 damaged
B-24J Liberator: 6 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
5 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled



Airbase hits 1
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 17
Port hits 11
Port supply hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
10 x Liberator GR.VI bombing from 15000 feet
Port Attack: 8 x 250 lb GP Bomb
2 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 15000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 15000 feet
Port Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
10 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 15000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
6 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 15000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
9 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 15000 feet
Port Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 15000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
14 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 15000 feet
Port Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
10 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 15000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 15000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 15000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 15000 feet
Port Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
7 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 15000 feet
Port Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
5 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 15000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
6 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 15000 feet
Port Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
6 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 15000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 15000 feet
Port Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Woodlark Island , at 104,133

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes


Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 41


No Allied losses



Airbase hits 14
Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 41

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 9000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 9000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 9000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 9000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
9 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 9000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 9000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 9000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
5 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 9000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 9000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 148th Infantry Regiment, at 101,132 , near Milne Bay

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 19,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes


Allied aircraft
Kittyhawk IV x 6
Hurricane XIIb x 10
A-24 Banshee x 14


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
19 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 2 (1 destroyed, 1 disabled)



Aircraft Attacking:
2 x A-24 Banshee bombing from 16000 feet
Ground Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb
12 x A-24 Banshee bombing from 16000 feet
Ground Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb

Also attacking 2nd JNAF AF Unit ...
Also attacking 10th RF Gun Battalion ...
Also attacking 2nd JNAF AF Unit ...


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Palmyra , at 170,133

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 34 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes


Allied aircraft
A-20G Havoc x 24
P-38J Lightning x 14
F6F-3 Hellcat x 2


Allied aircraft losses
A-20G Havoc: 1 damaged



Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 5

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x A-20G Havoc bombing from 11000 feet
Airfield Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x A-20G Havoc bombing from 11000 feet
Airfield Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Nadzab , at 98,125

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid spotted at 5 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 1 minutes


Allied aircraft
B-25D1 Mitchell x 3


No Allied losses



Aircraft Attacking:
3 x B-25D1 Mitchell bombing from 9000 feet
Port Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Port Blair , at 46,58

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid detected at 77 NM, estimated altitude 19,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 21 minutes


Allied aircraft
B-24D1 Liberator x 8
B-25D1 Mitchell x 18


Allied aircraft losses
B-24D1 Liberator: 2 damaged



Port hits 2
Port supply hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x B-25D1 Mitchell bombing from 15000 feet *
Port Attack: 3 x 500 lb GP Bomb
9 x B-25D1 Mitchell bombing from 15000 feet *
Port Attack: 3 x 500 lb GP Bomb
8 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 15000 feet
Port Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Moulmein , at 55,55

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid detected at 59 NM, estimated altitude 18,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 20 minutes


Allied aircraft
Hurricane IIc Trop x 9
Spitfire Vc Trop x 6
Spitfire VIII x 12
Spitfire Vc Trop x 5
B-24D1 Liberator x 9
B-24J Liberator x 32
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 15


Allied aircraft losses
B-24J Liberator: 3 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
6 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled



Airbase hits 8
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 26

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 15000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 5 x 500 lb GP Bomb
8 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 15000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 5 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 15000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 5 x 500 lb GP Bomb
9 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 15000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 5 x 500 lb GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Port Blair , at 46,58

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid detected at 27 NM, estimated altitude 20,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Japanese aircraft
no flights


Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 6


No Japanese losses

No Allied losses



Aircraft Attacking:
6 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 15000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Port Blair , at 46,58

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid detected at 60 NM, estimated altitude 18,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 20 minutes

Japanese aircraft
no flights


Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 12


No Japanese losses

No Allied losses



Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 15000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Port Blair , at 46,58

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid detected at 21 NM, estimated altitude 32,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes


Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 5


No Allied losses



Aircraft Attacking:
5 x P-38G Lightning sweeping at 30000 feet



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Merauke at 89,124

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid detected at 79 NM, estimated altitude 18,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 23 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 38
P1Y1 Frances x 9



Allied aircraft
P-39N1 Airacobra x 1


Japanese aircraft losses
P1Y1 Frances: 1 damaged

No Allied losses

Allied Ships
xAK Ensley City, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
AM Geelong
AM Shepparton, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk



Aircraft Attacking:
9 x P1Y1 Frances launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
24 x A6M5 Zero sweeping at 15000 feet

CAP engaged:
15th FG/46th FS with P-39N1 Airacobra (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters to 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 30 minutes



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on Taung Gyi , at 59,48

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid detected at 22 NM, estimated altitude 33,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes


Allied aircraft
Hurricane IIc Trop x 11


No Allied losses



Aircraft Attacking:
11 x Hurricane IIc Trop sweeping at 30000 feet



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on 7th Australian Division, at 101,133 (Milne Bay)

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid spotted at 6 NM, estimated altitude 2,100 feet.
Estimated time to target is 1 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-67-Ia Peggy x 8



Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-67-Ia Peggy: 7 damaged
Ki-67-Ia Peggy: 1 destroyed by flak



Aircraft Attacking:
7 x Ki-67-Ia Peggy bombing from 100 feet
Ground Attack: 3 x 250 kg GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on 7th Australian Division, at 101,133 (Milne Bay)

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid spotted at 16 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 8
Ki-46 KAI Dinah x 6
Ki-67-Ia Peggy x 13



Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-67-Ia Peggy: 4 damaged
Ki-67-Ia Peggy: 1 destroyed by flak



Aircraft Attacking:
12 x Ki-67-Ia Peggy bombing from 1000 feet
Ground Attack: 1 x 250 kg GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Rabaul at 106,125

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 16 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K1 Rex x 7
Ki-61-Ia Tony x 20



Allied aircraft
PV-1 Ventura x 3


No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
PV-1 Ventura: 2 destroyed



CAP engaged:
934 Ku S-1 with N1K1 Rex (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(7 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 5 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 22 minutes
70th Sentai with Ki-61-Ia Tony (6 airborne, 14 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 6000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Rabaul at 106,125

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid detected at 29 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K1 Rex x 7
Ki-61-Ia Tony x 19



Allied aircraft
PV-1 Ventura x 3


No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
PV-1 Ventura: 2 destroyed



CAP engaged:
934 Ku S-1 with N1K1 Rex (5 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 11000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 7 minutes
70th Sentai with Ki-61-Ia Tony (10 airborne, 9 on standby, 0 scrambling)
10 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 11000 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 25 minutes

[Andy Mac]

I am guessing one CA and 2 CL's plus probably a DD sunk

Plus a few heart wrenching moments for PZB when a light strike broke through his CAP


AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR May 07, 44


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Milne Bay at 98,137

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid detected at 72 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 33 minutes


Allied aircraft
P-47D25 Thunderbolt x 9
TBF-1 Avenger x 27


Allied aircraft losses
TBF-1 Avenger: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
CL Isuzu, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk
CA Suzuya



Aircraft Attacking:
6 x TBF-1 Avenger bombing from 12000 feet *
Naval Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb
21 x TBF-1 Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22in Mk 13 Torpedo



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Milne Bay at 98,137

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid detected at 67 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 29 minutes


Allied aircraft
P-47D25 Thunderbolt x 9
SB2C-1C Helldiver x 13


Allied aircraft losses
SB2C-1C Helldiver: 4 damaged

Japanese Ships
CA Suzuya
CL Kitakami



Aircraft Attacking:
2 x SB2C-1C Helldiver releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
7 x SB2C-1C Helldiver releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SB2C-1C Helldiver releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb





--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Treasury Islands at 108,133

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 79 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 22 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 220
A6M5b Zero x 11



Allied aircraft
Mitchell II x 3
B-25D1 Mitchell x 6
B-25G Mitchell x 3
P-38H Lightning x 19
P-47D25 Thunderbolt x 9


Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zero: 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Mitchell II: 3 damaged
B-25D1 Mitchell: 2 destroyed, 1 damaged
B-25D1 Mitchell: 1 destroyed by flak
B-25G Mitchell: 2 damaged
P-38H Lightning: 4 destroyed
P-47D25 Thunderbolt: 2 destroyed

Japanese Ships
CVL Shoho
CV Unryu
CVL Nisshin
CV Katsuragi



Aircraft Attacking:
1 x B-25D1 Mitchell bombing from 11000 feet *
Naval Attack: 3 x 500 lb SAP Bomb
3 x Mitchell II bombing from 11000 feet *
Naval Attack: 3 x 500 lb SAP Bomb
1 x B-25D1 Mitchell bombing from 11000 feet *
Naval Attack: 3 x 500 lb SAP Bomb
3 x B-25G Mitchell bombing from 11000 feet *
Naval Attack: 3 x 500 lb SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
Yamada Det S-2 with A6M5 Zero (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 9 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 17 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 2000 and 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 44 minutes
14 planes vectored on to bombers
Akagi-1 with A6M5 Zero (3 airborne, 5 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 13000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes
8 planes vectored on to bombers
Soryu-1 with A6M5 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 6 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 16 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 30000 , scrambling fighters between 7000 and 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 37 minutes
16 planes vectored on to bombers
Hiryu-1 with A6M5 Zero (0 airborne, 3 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 7 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters to 3000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 20 minutes
9 planes vectored on to bombers
Shokaku-1 with A6M5 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 9 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 12 minutes
5 planes vectored on to bombers
Zuikaku-1 with A6M5 Zero (0 airborne, 5 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 11000 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 23 minutes
5 planes vectored on to bombers
Zuiho-1 with A6M5 Zero (3 airborne, 5 on standby, 6 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 8000 and 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 32 minutes
15 planes vectored on to bombers
Taiho-1 with A6M5 Zero (3 airborne, 3 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 15000 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 16 minutes
7 planes vectored on to bombers
Shinano-1 with A6M5 Zero (5 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 6 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 11 minutes
5 planes vectored on to bombers
Unryu-1 with A6M5 Zero (0 airborne, 3 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 8 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters to 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 7 minutes
9 planes vectored on to bombers
Amagi-1 with A6M5b Zero (3 airborne, 3 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 5 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 11000 and 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 14 minutes
8 planes vectored on to bombers
Katsuragi-1 with A6M5 Zero (0 airborne, 2 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 8 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 8000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 11 minutes
7 planes vectored on to bombers
Taiyo-1 with A6M5 Zero (0 airborne, 3 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 6000 and 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 31 minutes
7 planes vectored on to bombers
Unyo-1 with A6M5 Zero (0 airborne, 6 on standby, 12 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 9 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 7000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 49 minutes
21 planes vectored on to bombers
Chuyo-1 with A6M5 Zero (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 7 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 4 minutes
5 planes vectored on to bombers
Shinyo-1 with A6M5 Zero (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 8 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 11000 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 10 minutes
11 planes vectored on to bombers
Kaiyo-1 with A6M5 Zero (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
7 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 13000 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 29 minutes
10 planes vectored on to bombers





--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Milne Bay at 98,137

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid detected at 35 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 15 minutes


Allied aircraft
P-47D25 Thunderbolt x 18
TBM-1C Avenger x 16


Allied aircraft losses
TBM-1C Avenger: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
CA Suzuya, Torpedo hits 1



Aircraft Attacking:
16 x TBM-1C Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22in Mk 13 Torpedo



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Milne Bay at 98,137

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid detected at 45 NM, estimated altitude 19,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 18 minutes


Allied aircraft
P-47D25 Thunderbolt x 9
PV-1 Ventura x 3


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
CL Kitakami



Aircraft Attacking:
3 x PV-1 Ventura bombing from 15000 feet
Naval Attack: 6 x 500 lb SAP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Treasury Islands at 108,133

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 19 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 164
A6M5b Zero x 9



Allied aircraft
B-25D1 Mitchell x 3


No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-25D1 Mitchell: 1 destroyed
B-25D1 Mitchell: 1 destroyed by flak

Japanese Ships
CV Shinano



Aircraft Attacking:
1 x B-25D1 Mitchell bombing from 11000 feet *
Naval Attack: 3 x 500 lb SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
Akagi-1 with A6M5 Zero (6 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 11000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 25 minutes
Soryu-1 with A6M5 Zero (13 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
13 plane(s) intercepting now.
5 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 30000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 96 minutes
Hiryu-1 with A6M5 Zero (6 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead
Shokaku-1 with A6M5 Zero (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 11000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 16 minutes
Zuikaku-1 with A6M5 Zero (7 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
7 plane(s) intercepting now.
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters to 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 23 minutes
Zuiho-1 with A6M5 Zero (11 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
11 plane(s) intercepting now.
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters to 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 36 minutes
Taiho-1 with A6M5 Zero (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
6 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 11000 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 36 minutes
Unryu-1 with A6M5 Zero (5 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 11000 and 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 40 minutes
Amagi-1 with A6M5b Zero (6 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters to 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes
Taiyo-1 with A6M5 Zero (6 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead
Unyo-1 with A6M5 Zero (19 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
19 plane(s) intercepting now.
6 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 7000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 32 minutes
Chuyo-1 with A6M5 Zero (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 5000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 52 minutes
Shinyo-1 with A6M5 Zero (7 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
7 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead
Kaiyo-1 with A6M5 Zero (9 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
9 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead
Yamada Det S-2 with A6M5 Zero (12 airborne, 0 on standby, 3 scrambling)
12 plane(s) intercepting now.
6 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 12000 and 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 49 minutes
Shinano-1 with A6M5 Zero (5 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 11000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 30 minutes
Katsuragi-1 with A6M5 Zero (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 11000 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 53 minutes



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Milne Bay at 98,137

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid detected at 41 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes


Allied aircraft
Barracuda II x 11
P-47D25 Thunderbolt x 9


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
CA Suzuya
CL Kitakami, Bomb hits 1, on fire



Aircraft Attacking:
11 x Barracuda II bombing from 6000 feet *
Naval Attack: 2 x 500 lb SAP Bomb




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Milne Bay at 98,137

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid detected at 42 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 19 minutes


Allied aircraft
Kittyhawk III x 3
Kittyhawk IV x 8
Spitfire VIII x 16
P-38H Lightning x 3
P-38J Lightning x 6
P-40N5 Warhawk x 6
P-47D25 Thunderbolt x 14
P-51B Mustang x 8
TBF-1 Avenger x 20


Allied aircraft losses
TBF-1 Avenger: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
CL Kitakami, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
DD Shikinami



Aircraft Attacking:
20 x TBF-1 Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22in Mk 13 Torpedo



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Milne Bay at 98,137

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid detected at 4 NM, estimated altitude 19,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 1 minutes


Allied aircraft
Kittyhawk III x 3
Kittyhawk IV x 8
Spitfire VIII x 16
P-38H Lightning x 3
P-38J Lightning x 6
P-40N5 Warhawk x 6
P-47D25 Thunderbolt x 14
P-51B Mustang x 8
SBD-5 Dauntless x 14


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
DD Shikinami, Bomb hits 1, on fire



Aircraft Attacking:
14 x SBD-5 Dauntless bombing from 16000 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Milne Bay at 98,137

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid detected at 52 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 22 minutes


Allied aircraft
Kittyhawk III x 3
Kittyhawk IV x 8
Spitfire VIII x 16
P-38H Lightning x 3
P-38J Lightning x 7
P-40N5 Warhawk x 6
P-47D25 Thunderbolt x 48
P-51B Mustang x 8
SB2C-1C Helldiver x 11


Allied aircraft losses
SB2C-1C Helldiver: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
CA Suzuya, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Oboro



Aircraft Attacking:
5 x SB2C-1C Helldiver releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
6 x SB2C-1C Helldiver releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb

Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CA Suzuya


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Milne Bay at 98,137

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid detected at 29 NM, estimated altitude 19,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes


Allied aircraft
Kittyhawk III x 3
Kittyhawk IV x 8
Spitfire VIII x 16
P-38H Lightning x 3
P-38J Lightning x 6
P-40N5 Warhawk x 6
P-47D25 Thunderbolt x 14
P-51B Mustang x 8
PV-1 Ventura x 3


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
DD Shikinami, on fire



Aircraft Attacking:
3 x PV-1 Ventura bombing from 15000 feet
Naval Attack: 6 x 500 lb SAP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Milne Bay at 98,137

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid detected at 18 NM, estimated altitude 18,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes


Allied aircraft
Kittyhawk III x 3
Kittyhawk IV x 8
Spitfire VIII x 16
P-38H Lightning x 3
P-38J Lightning x 6
P-40N5 Warhawk x 6
P-47D25 Thunderbolt x 14
P-51B Mustang x 8
TBF-1 Avenger x 13


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
DD Shikinami, Bomb hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage



Aircraft Attacking:
13 x TBF-1 Avenger bombing from 16000 feet *
Naval Attack: 2 x 500 lb SAP Bomb

Heavy smoke from fires obscuring DD Shikinami


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Milne Bay at 98,137

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid detected at 48 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 22 minutes


Allied aircraft
Kittyhawk III x 3
Kittyhawk IV x 8
Spitfire VIII x 16
P-38H Lightning x 3
P-38J Lightning x 6
P-40N5 Warhawk x 6
P-47D25 Thunderbolt x 14
P-51B Mustang x 8
TBF-1 Avenger x 9


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
CA Suzuya, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Oboro



Aircraft Attacking:
9 x TBF-1 Avenger bombing from 12000 feet *
Naval Attack: 2 x 500 lb SAP Bomb

Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CA Suzuya




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ground combat at Milne Bay (101,133)

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 9848 troops, 294 guns, 57 vehicles, Assault Value = 555

Defending force 3654 troops, 33 guns, 15 vehicles, Assault Value = 84

Allied adjusted assault: 316

Japanese adjusted defense: 33

Allied assault odds: 9 to 1 (fort level 2)

Allied forces CAPTURE Milne Bay !!!

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
E8N2 Dave: 1 destroyed

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+)
Attacker: shock(+), disruption(-)

Japanese ground losses:
1962 casualties reported
Squads: 42 destroyed, 7 disabled
Non Combat: 47 destroyed, 10 disabled
Engineers: 13 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 14 (14 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Vehicles lost 14 (14 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units retreated 4


Allied ground losses:
415 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 44 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled


Assaulting units:
7th Australian Division
8th Australian Div /10

Defending units:
148th Infantry Regiment
2nd Raiding Rgt /2
10th RF Gun Battalion
2nd JNAF AF Unit

[Andy Mac]

ps guys my biggest flaw is I am not a micromanager - I make occasional mistakes because I never take more than 30 mins to do a turn

Milne bay was not one of those !!!!